A LETTER FROM HOME.

Waipukurau Press, Volume I, 15 June 1906, Page 2

A LETTER FROM HOME.

[To the Editor.] Sib, —I am indebted to a gentleman iu your district for a copy of the new-boru infant, The Waipukurau Pi ess. This says much for the advancement of jour« town, which is to be congratulated on rising to the position of supporting a newspaper. It is about twenty years since I was in Waipukurau, which then could scarcely lay claim o the name of town. I note in the Press columns, one or two names of persons I remember at that time, viz., MrSterry, saddler (from whom 1 Drought a saddle and bridle) and Mr Gow, of Tavistock fame, and who, 1 understand, is now known as “ The King of \V aipukurau.” I am also favoured with other New Zealand papers, ivhich devote much space to home affairs, and to which 1 am afraid 1 cannot add anything of interest. I may say that trade here has very much improved of late ; the receipts of the North . Eastern Railway Co. have increased upwards of £150,0U0 since January Ist, and all other railways also account fora large increase of traffic, which is a good barometer as to the slate of industrial business. I cannot speak so well for the farming industry. 1 notice a great many farmers are selling out, many with a view of proceeding to Canada. 1 enclose you a cutting from a Darlington paper, wherein it is stated that 20,0u0 emigrants left for Canada during the months of February and March. No doubt the Canadian land laws, by putting settlers into direct ownership, are more attractive than the New Zealand leasehold tenure ; anyhow, the fact remains that some of the best of our countrymen are leaving home, whilst this jellyfish Government of ours is allowing ail the scum of the earth to come here to be classed as British subjects, and this in the face of a fine fleet we keep to stop a foreign invasion, which is quietly taking place every day. if Britishers require the protection of a fleet it will soon have to be transferred to the colonies, as I don’t see why a fleet should be maintained here in the interests of a swarm of Italian organ grinders, German Jews, Russian cut throats, and Continental thieves. Darlington, the birthplace of railways, is now a town of various industries, including engine-building, forgework of the heaviest description, bridge-work* of Zambesi fame, ■ ironworks, waggon-building, etc., with an increasing population and a very poor display of New Zea- ■ land mutton. 1 have only seen one or two small shops where the •alter is on sale, but 1 find the River Plate Co.’s represented in almost every street, and no doubt many of their customers are under the impression they <re buying meat from Australia and New Zealand. I can only say “ Wake up New Zealand,” and apoligise for taking up your valuable space. —1 am, etc., John G. Baty. Darlington, England, April 28, 1906.

Following are the extracts referred to ; During the month of February 10,00 U persons left this country for Canada, the number in last month was probably not far short of 15,000, and there is every sign that the emigration movement is likely to continue a good deal longer. The extensive district served by the Darlington and Stockton Times has sent a substantial quota towards these 25,000 emigrants ; and there are many more who are on the point of going out. It seemed worth while therefore to direct public attention to this movement so far as this district is concerned, and with this object we are giving a list of the names and addresses oflocalemigrants, adding such particulars as seem lively to be of interest. —From Darlington Times. It is estimated by the Canadian Premier that Canada’s trade this year will reach £100,000,000. Judg.. ing exports and imports according to population, Canada stands {third among the nations in the scale of trade. Belgium is first with £29 per capita, Great Britain second with £2O, and Canada third with £l7.